Glastonbury festival-goers are being urged to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date due to a notable increase in cases of the highly contagious disease.
This health advisory comes as the festival is set to take place from June 25-29 this year, just before a scheduled fallow year in 2026.
According to reports from The Independent, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has indicated that measles is actively spreading across the UK, particularly at events like festivals where close contact is common. They reported that there are ongoing outbreaks in multiple regions, including London and the South West.
The latest statistics from the UKHSA reveal that most measles cases have occurred in unvaccinated children aged 10 and under, but there are also incidents among young adults and older individuals.
Dr. Alasdair Wood, a consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, emphasized the importance of health awareness for festival attendees. He advised, “We want everyone to have an enjoyable time at Glastonbury while staying safe. If you’re not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella, please reach out to your GP to see if you can get an appointment before the festival.”
He also reminded attendees that if they are feeling unwell or advised to isolate due to measles or any other infections, they should follow that guidance.
Moreover, Dr. Wood mentioned a rising number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among young people, adding, “STIs can have serious health implications. It’s crucial to get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.”
Alison Bell, Acting Director of Public Health for Somerset Council, urged festival attendees to prioritize their health during the weekend. She stated that many health risks can be mitigated with simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, especially during hot weather.
The UKHSA reported over 127,000 measles cases in Europe last year—double the count from 2023 and the highest since 1997. Measles spreads easily, causing severe complications in some cases. The best prevention method is the MMR vaccine.
Initial signs of measles often include high fever, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and red or watery eyes.
On a festive note, Glastonbury 2025 will feature headliners like The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo, along with performances from a diverse array of artists including Biffy Clyro, The Maccabees, and many more.
As preparations continue, organizers have released the full line-up, stage times, and new site maps for the festival, also sharing guidelines on what items are prohibited at the event.
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